News from the Middle East

I copied and pasted the article in. The link was too long and shot my sidebar. Sometimes looks are everything. Sorry about the advertisement. I couldn't get it out.

More From The Bay City Times Subscribe To The Bay City Times

'We're making a difference'
Bangor Township Marine says he's proud of the job he's doing in Iraq
Monday, October 23, 2006
By PATI LALONDETIMES WRITER

Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Comtois spent his first night back in Bangor Township playing a few games of beer pong, eating nachos and sharing photos of his seven months in Iraq.

It was a simple way to celebrate his homecoming, but not without fanfare. About 40 relatives were waiting as Comtois, 20, got off the plane at MBS International Airport on Friday afternoon. The group included the family's two dogs, sisters Alison and Abby, and parents, Ron and Laurie Comtois, along with extended family members who waved flags and carried balloons.

''As soon as I saw them, my heart started racing,'' Andrew Comtois said. ''I was really excited. Everyone looks great.''

His homecoming, preceded by two weeks at his base in 29 Palms, Calif., will be a short one. But the John Glenn graduate plans on savoring the 12 days with his family before heading back to his base in California. He already knows he will go back to Iraq, probably next September.

While Comtois is glad to be home, he says he's proud of the job our military is doing in Iraq. Being part of the 1st battalion, 7th Marines, a mobile assault platoon, he and his battalion did mounted patrols in Humvees keeping roads free of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Comtois also helped in securing the area of operation for visitors.

''We're making a significant difference,'' Comtois said. ''When I first got there, I didn't associate with the Iraqi people. Now we are going to their supermarkets and they are giving us intelligence on where terrorists may be.''

Comtois' mission was named Hearts and Minds Operation, with the goal to win over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. He feels it's working.

He tells the story of Mick, who attended university in Iraq for four years, learning to speak English.

Mick now goes on all the patrols with the troops as an interpreter.
''That guy would do anything for us,'' Comtois said. ''He makes our lives easier.''

'We're making a difference'

That's not to say that Comtois hasn't had scary moments.
He recalled the time the Humvee he was riding in was hit by a roadside bomb. Although there were a few nicks and bruises, no one was seriously injured.

That type of story is what has his family worried. Grandmother Margaret Jane Gravlin said she frequently thought of her Marine and wondered if he was OK.

''There was always a question mark,'' she said. ''What is he doing? Is he going to get hurt? But he's home now safe and sound.''

Laurie Comtois said she was scared for her son's life, but thanks to satellite phones and e-mails, she heard from him about every 10 days.

''I'm so glad he's here,'' she said. ''We're glad to have him home.''
During his first few days home, Comtois had a few things he wanted to do. First on the list was watching the Detroit Tigers play in the World Series.

While in Iraq, Comtois had heard the Tigers were in first place, but didn't believe it. When he got to a small air base at Al Asad, he excitedly found out he had heard correctly. He's thrilled he'll be home to watch the entire World Series.

Ron Comtois says his son looks a little heavier than when he came home from boot camp, but that thankfully his attitude hasn't changed.

''He's still joking around,'' he said.

- Pati LaLonde is a features writer for The Times. She can be reached at 894-9666, or by e-mail at plalonde@bc-times.com.
***
Encouraging words from a Marine. Thought we all needed some good news. I’m sure there’s a lot more of this than we’re hearing from our illustrious MSM.

I think you’ll appreciate the article.

Love to all. Harrell, Mushrooms, let me know when you’re back.

Gotta go clean the bathroom. I’ll have another post in before the night is over. Steve’s in Kuwait, trying to get into Baghdad. Things are tough there right now. Security $’s are rising and many contractors are holding off going in until after the elections.

Not Steve.